During which of the following years is an ISO 9001 compliance audit scheduled in the second three-year contract cycle?

In a typical three-year contract cycle for ISO 9001 compliance audits, the sequence of audits is strategically planned to ensure ongoing conformity and continuous improvement within the quality management system.

The second surveillance audit usually occurs in the second year of the contract cycle. This timing allows the organization to receive feedback on their processes, assess their implementation of corrective actions from the previous audit, and demonstrate their sustained compliance with the ISO 9001 requirements. The first year would typically involve the initial certification audit, and the third year would generally include the final surveillance audit or the recertification audit, depending on the organization's readiness and performance in the preceding audits.

Thus, the schedule aligns with a pattern where the second year stands out for its focus on mid-cycle assessment, reinforcing the principles of continual improvement that ISO 9001 espouses.